Dodgers look to bounce back in NLCS Game 2

LOS ANGELES — Do they sell shade? I couldn’t resist. Wow is it hot here. I have covered Rockies’ games in June that weren’t this toasty. Players don’t need long sleeves. Or any sleeves for that matter. You know it’s scorching when you see guys applying sunscreen. Somebody just said it was 91 degrees. I believe it.

The Dodgers need to win today and turn to, um, Vincente Padilla. The idea that he could save their season has to seem preposterous to Rangers’ fans. Texas was in a race, needed pitching and cut ties with Padilla. They were tired of his immaturity, tired of hitting opposing players. But he’s been on his best behavior since joining the Dodgers.

Keep an eye on how he does against the Phillies’ lefties. They are a challenge for anyone, and Padilla goes through stretches where lefties torch him. The same players are in both lineups. The difference is that Matt Kemp moved to second with Andre Ethier third and Manny Ramirez fourth.

Some scene for you: I was trying to get this blog typed when The Backstreet Boys interrupted me by rehearsing the National Anthem. You know when you are in high school, and you have a million barbs you’d like to fire their way. Like why do you have tattoos acting like a Harley guy when you are in a moped band. But the Backstreet Men seemed cool enough. And it’s not like the bar was set high. Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley’s dad, sang last night.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.